Committee approves change to allow speech‑language pathology assistants to practice beyond schools

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee on Friday approved an amended bill that would permit speech‑language pathology assistants (SLPAs) who are already approved to work in K‑12 schools to practice in other settings — such as private clinics, home health and hospice — under the supervision of licensed speech‑language pathologists (SLPs).

Sponsors said the change is intended to address a statewide shortage of SLPs and reduce wait times for patients who need speech, language and swallowing services. The committee adopted an amendment that keeps minimum education and supervision requirements but removes a new DORA certification requirement after negotiations with the Department of Regulatory Agencies and stakeholders.

Why it matters: Colorado faces a growing gap between demand for speech therapy and the licensed workforce, especially for children in early intervention and older patients in skilled‑nursing and hospice settings. Supporters said the bill clarifies long‑standing confusion about whether assistants may provide services outside school settings and would expand a supervised workforce that can be rapidly trained and deployed.

Supporters and their case: Speech‑language pathologists, clinic owners and home‑health providers testified that SLPAs are already trained and supervised in school systems and that allowing similar supervised practice in community settings will increase access without reducing quality. “This bill will ensure much‑needed access to speech therapy services and give greater employment opportunities for individuals looking to enter the industry,” said Erica Drury of MGA Home Care, which provides thousands of therapy visits weekly.

CASA and profession groups said Colorado’s Medicaid manual and state practice language were inconsistent; clinics faced uncertain billing and hiring decisions. “Some clinics confidently hire SLPAs while others are too afraid to make that hire without certainty,” said Amy Feder, a private‑practice owner. Supporters pointed out that occupational and physical therapy assistants already work outside schools in other states and in Colorado.

Key change adopted: The committee passed L002, an amendment that removes a DORA certification requirement and instead prescribes minimum education (bachelor’s level plus supervised clinical hours) and explicit supervision and scope‑of‑practice rules. Sponsors said the change implements a Sunrise review recommendation from DORA while avoiding a new licensing program that would have added cost and delay.

Opposition or caveats: Several witnesses urged careful drafting of supervision rules and consumer protections. One practicing SLP who testified in support asked that the path toward formal certification remain open in the future, so assistants and employers can rely on standardized training and complaint routes.

Formal action: The committee adopted the sponsors’ amendment (L002) and moved HB25‑1075 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Tally on the floor motion recorded in committee: yes 13, no 0.

Next steps: With the DORA certification removed and educational and supervision standards added, the bill moves to the Committee of the Whole. Sponsors said they will continue stakeholder conversations on implementation details and any future pathway to a certification regime.

Ending: Supporters framed HB25‑1075 as a pragmatic workforce measure that preserves SLP oversight while expanding supervised capacity to meet urgent patient needs; opponents and commenters urged precise supervision and complaint procedures to protect patients.